Oak Creek Lakes

Lakes Around Oak Creek

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Oak Creek. As it turns out, when you visit Oak Creek there are lots of great spots for spending time on the lake.

There are many great motivations for making a trip to a lake in Oak Creek during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer activities like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Has there ever been a better time? Load up the car with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then hit the road your next day off to find your own favorite location on the water!

Lakes Close to Oak Creek

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy trip gives you an almost limitless amount of stuff for people of all stripes.

Any stay at the lake gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Pack a picnic basket. Oak Creek’s lakes offer all sorts of great picnic areas for you to pack up some portable delicacies, or a quick snack while enjoying the scenery. If you’re with that special someone, this plan should put a smile on their face.

Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Oak Creek will offer tons of laughs and games for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a beautiful public beach on a lake near Oak Creek!

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Take the family out for some wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the lakes near Oak Creek offer you a number of options.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you choose, the time of year, the weather, and what you want to do while you’re there. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of some of the most common lake and beach-related items for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.

Common lake items

When you’re out on a lake near Oak Creek it makes a lot of sense to take many of the items below to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • A cooler and drinks
  • Something to dry off with
  • Bathing suits
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Bug spray
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants

Specialty lake stuff

The list of items below might prove useful for getaways to the lake depending on what your plans are. It’s also worth checking prior to hitting the road.

  • Worms or other bait
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Tackle box
  • Fishing poles
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Wine key
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes

Lake Safety Checklist

Of course your getaway on a lake in Oak Creek can provide ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Few people get the opportunity to make their way to the amazing lakes around Oak Creek and might have some questions regarding planning. Certainly, every lake will possess unique qualities and trappings, but it’s worth noting a couple key points to review while assembling your itinerary which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Asking a local will usually allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Oak Creek can get extremely crowded. If you want more space to spread out, do some digging on a variety of lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. Make the most of unique local resources. If you have time for a longer getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.